White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is the deadliest virus among crustaceans
ever discovered having several unique and novel features. Recent developments in
genomics and proteomics could elucidate the molecular process involved in the
WSSV infection and the host pathogen interaction to some extent. Until now no
fool proof treatment or prophylactic measure has been made available to control
WSSV out breaks in culture system. Even though there are technologies like
application of immunostimulants, vaccines, RNAi and several antiviral natural
products none of them has been taken to the level of clinical trials. However, there
are several management options such as application of bioremediation technologies
to maintain the required environmental quality, maintenance of zero water exchange
systems coupled with application of probiotics and vaccines which on adoption
shall pave way for successful crops amidst the rapid spread of the virus. In this
context the present work was undertaken to develop a drug from mangrove plants
for protecting shrimp from WSSV.Mangroves belong to those ecosystems that are presently under the threat
of destruction, diversion and blatant attack in the name of so called
‘developmental activities’. Mangrove plants have unique ecological features as
it serves as an ecotone between marine and terrestrial ecosystem and hence
possess diversity of metabolites with diverse activities. This prompted them
being used as remedial measures for several ailments for ages. Among the
mangrove plants Ceriops tagal, belonging to the family Rhizophororaceae was in
attention for many years for isolating new metabolites such as triterpenes,
phenolic compounds, etc. Even though there were attempts to study various plant
extracts to develop anti-viral preparations their activity against WSSV was not
investigated as yet.

Description:

Dept.of Marine Biology,Microbiology and Biochemistry,Cochin University of Science and Technology